Tracing the Origin of Korean Invasive Populations of the Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae)

Lycorma delicatula (White) suddenly arrived in Korea where it rapidly spread out the central region of and caused serious damage to grape vineyards. To trace source its invasiveness, population genetic structures were compared between native region, China, introduced regions, Japan. We examined 762 individuals from 38 different collections using 15 microsatellite loci. Both principal coordinate structure analyses displayed that Chinese populations separated into three subgroups which located significantly far apart each other. Among them, Shanghai was closest most Korean populations. Based on relationships structures, revealed multiple introductions occurred at least times. In addition, strongly estimated be a initial invasive Korea. analysis approximate Bayesian computation suggested simultaneous two distant locations early invasion by artificial transportation host plants bearing egg masses. Our genetics study can provide precedent case with regards identifying spreads anthropogenic outcomes other regions.